Limb amputations in felines can save lives

A cat's leg may need to be amputated for a variety of reasons, including tumors, frostbite, severe trauma, fibrosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, and adverse reactions to a vaccination.

Prior to the amputation surgery, the veterinarian may perform tests to check for original health problems or issues. There may be blood tests X-rays, and a biopsy. Pain medication will also begin to be given.

During an amputation process, general anesthesia will be administered and pain medication will be continued. An amputation surgery can take several hours to execute.

Pain medications should be incessantly administered to prevent the cat from going into shock. The incision site, which is closed with staples or stitches, should be scrutinized daily for redness, swelling and discharge. The staples or stitches will need to be removed after around two weeks.

The majority of cats are up and the day after the amputation, adjusting and overcoming. In the face of having only three limbs, many amputee cats can go on to live a full life.

Yes, cats can get along with only three limbs and in time you may sometimes forget they are missing a limb because of how well they adjust and carry on. There are countless records and reports of pet cats that go on to lead long, full, happy lives despite the limb loss. Cats are remarkable adjusters. They are an amazing animal, clever, graceful and skilled. It is still a very good idea to keep them inside and keep close vigil on them. Cats are quite independent, it’s true, but you are their caregiver and must never forget this.

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Karla Kirby is a graduate of Interface College, mixing her love of cats with her graphic designing skills. She has owned cats most of her life and has done volunteer work at PetSavers and the Humane Society, socializing and fostering cats for adoption. She has also taken a Veterniarian Assistant Course at Penn Foster.